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NORTH BAY, July 18, 2009 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board today celebrated the opening of 18 new affordable rental units. The project received $360,000 in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Monique Smith, MPP for Nipissing, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and George Jupp, Chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board, made the announcement today.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Minister Finley. “With the opening of new units, low-income individuals in North Bay will have access to suitable, affordable housing that will help them start a new page in their lives.”

“Access to affordable, quality housing is very important to Nipissing-area families,” said Nipissing MPP Monique Smith. “I am very proud that the provincial and federal governments have joined together to help build Girard Complex, a true community initiative that will make a positive impact on the lives of many families in our area.”

Today’s announcement recognized the official opening of the Girard Complex, an 18 unit building which will provide affordable housing for low-income individuals in North Bay. The $1.8 million project received $360,000 under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Girard Complex will receive an annual affordability payment of $10,800 totalling $324,000 for the project, provided entirely by the member municipalities represented on the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board. Funding for the project is complemented by municipal development fee waivers.

“The completion of these 18 affordable rental housing units for families and individuals in North Bay is a wonderful achievement,” said Chair Jupp. “Without the cooperation that the DNSSAB has received from the federal and provincial government, and from the City of North Bay, this project would not have materialized. More importantly, I want to thank Mr. Ron Girard for his commitment to improving the affordable rental housing market in the District of Nipissing.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Ontario is moving quickly to implement this additional funding, which increases the number of “quick start” projects to 36 totaling over $70 million and which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

BELLEVILLE, July 20, 2009 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and Hastings County today celebrated 40 affordable housing units in six new projects. The projects are supported by $2.8 million in funding under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Daryl Kramp, Member of Parliament for Prince Edward – Hastings, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; the Honourable Leona Dombrowsky, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Member of Provincial Parliament for Prince Edward – Hastings, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Hastings County Warden Ron Emond; and affordable housing sponsors Ken and Gus Papakiriazis of K G Holdings, Chris Zavos and Adam Zegouras of 792169 Ontario Inc., and Phil and Gord Spry of Springale Development Inc. attended the event.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Kramp. “Here in Hastings County, the creation of these units will help people in our community access suitable, affordable housing that meets their specific needs.”

“Through the construction of safe affordable housing, we are helping vulnerable people establish and maintain the stability that so many of us simply take for granted,” said Minister Dombrowsky. “These housing developments will make a positive difference in the lives of the people who will call them home.”

Today’s announcement recognized six affordable housing projects in Hastings County, totalling over $3.2 million in capital costs:

The official opening of an 18-unit project in Belleville is sponsored by Springale Development Inc. The project received more than $1.2 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The units will be occupied by individuals living on low-income.

A 6-unit project in Trenton, sponsored by KG Holdings, received $420,000 in funding under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program for low-income individuals.

A 3-unit project in Frankford, sponsored by KG Holdings, received $210,000 in funding under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program for low-income individuals.

A 10-unit project in Bancroft, sponsored by Ken Papakiriazis, received $700,000 under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The units will be occupied by low-income individuals.

A 2-unit project in Tweed, sponsored by Chris Zavos and Adam Zegouras of 792169 Ontario Inc., received $140,000 under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The units will be occupied by low-income individuals.

A 1-unit project in Frankford, sponsored by KG Holdings, received $70,000 under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The unit will be occupied by low-income individuals.

“Hastings County is committed to providing safe, moderate, affordable housing for all its residents,” said Warden Emond. “The opening of these projects illustrate that with the support of both federal and provincial governments, our commitment will become a reality”.

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, signed in 2005, comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Ontario is moving quickly to implement this additional funding, which increases the number of “quick start” projects to 36 totaling over $70 million and which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

COURTRIGHT, Ontario, July 24, 2009 — The Government of Canada announced today that the Township of St. Clair has been approved for an infrastructure loan as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The announcement was made by Patricia Davidson, Member of Parliament for Sarnia – Lambton, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

The Township of St. Clair has been approved for a $9 million low-cost loan under CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP) for the upgrade and expansion of a regional wastewater treatment plant for Corunna and Courtright. This regional facility will accommodate the expected growth of the Township.

“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said MP Davidson. “This program is opening the door for municipalities of all sizes to meet their housing-related infrastructure needs and create jobs. It’s good news not only for Corunna and Courtright, but also for Ontario.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides up to $2 billion in direct low-cost loans to municipalities over two years for housing-related infrastructure projects through the MILP. Municipal infrastructure loans are available to any municipality in Canada and provide a new source of funds for municipalities to invest in housing-related infrastructure projects. These low-cost loans can also be used by municipalities to fund their contribution to cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.

“We are very pleased to be starting the new wastewater treatment plant project in partnership with the federal and provincial governments and to finance our local share with CMHC,” said Mayor Steve Arnold. “Our community, as well as those communities downstream from us, will benefit in this multi-partnership to make our environmental footprint much less than it has been for many years. The Council and Staff of St. Clair Township are very pleased that this project is finally becoming a reality for our community.“

Eligible projects include infrastructure related to housing services such as water, power generation and waste services, as well as local transportation infrastructure within and into residential areas, such as roads, sidewalks, lighting and green space.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, a plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

Helping Municipalities Build Stronger Communities

CMHC Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides up to $2 billion in direct low-cost loans to municipalities over two years through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP) for housing-related infrastructure projects in towns and cities across the country.

These infrastructure loans are available to any municipality within Canada and provide a new source of funds for municipalities to invest in housing-related infrastructure projects. Only infrastructure projects serving new or existing residential areas may be considered.

Eligible municipal infrastructure projects must directly relate to housing, thereby contributing to the efficient functioning of residential areas. Projects include infrastructure related to the provision of housing services such as water, wastewater and solid waste services; power generation; local transportation infrastructure within or into residential areas such as roads, bridges and tunnels; and residential sidewalks, lighting, pathways, landscaping and green space.

There will be a focus on funding projects that are shovel-ready, as this is a targeted, short-term, temporary measure intended to create jobs.

These low-cost loans will significantly decrease the cost of borrowing for municipalities and can be used by them to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.

Eligible loans will be approved largely on a first-come, first-served basis, provided the proposal meets eligibility requirements. However, CMHC will also seek to facilitate equitable access to the program and will work to encourage applications from urban and rural municipalities across Canada.

CMHC will screen applications against program eligibility, readiness to proceed and Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) requirements.

OTTAWA, August 6, 2009 — The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario today announced that an Ottawa Community Housing building on Caldwell Avenue in Ottawa will receive support for repairs and renovations over the next two years.

The work will include balcony repairs, window replacements, lighting upgrades and building retrofits.

The Ottawa Community Housing building on Caldwell Avenue will receive $5.4 million, part of a notional allocation of more than $46.8 million to the City of Ottawa to repair and retrofit existing local social housing units.

The funding was made available as a result of a $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of Ontario. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

The Honourable Gordon O’Connor, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Carleton – Mississippi Mills, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, made the announcement today.

“Renovation and retrofit projects, like this one, will improve the quality of life for residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable,” said Minister O’Connor. “It is also a good way to get the local economy moving because it puts construction workers and trades people to work quickly and most of the materials and supplies are made in Canada.”

“These repairs are another step towards improving social housing in Ottawa,” said Minister Watson. “This new funding will help ensure that people living in social housing have a safe and reliable place to live. Ontarians deserve nothing less.”

Ontario is moving quickly to invest a total of $704 million to repair eligible social housing across the province. In an effort to get shovels in the ground quickly, projects must be committed by the end of the fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

The funding will help improve the quality of life for residents living in social housing communities. Funding will be used to renovate and make energy-saving upgrades to existing social housing as well as to undertake accessibility modifications for the benefit of seniors and persons with disabilities. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Last month, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario announced a series of investments of more than $70 million to fund 36 construction-ready projects throughout the province under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

CORNWALL, ON, August 7, 2009 — The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario today announced that a Cornwall and Area Housing Corporation building at Augustus Court will receive support for repairs and renovations over the next two years.

The work will include elevator repairs and replacement.

The Cornwall and Area Housing Corporation building at Augustus Court will receive $316,300 — part of a notional allocation of more than $4.8 million to the City of Cornwall to repair and retrofit existing local social housing units.

The funding was made available as a result of a $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of Ontario. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Guy Lauzon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and for the Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Stormont – Dundas – South Glengarry, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); and Jim Brownell, Member of Provincial Parliament for Stormont – Dundas – South Glengarry, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, made the announcement today at the housing site.

“Renovation and retrofit projects, like this one, will improve the quality of life for residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable,” said MP Lauzon. “It is also a good way to get the local economy moving because it puts construction workers and trades people to work quickly and most of the materials and supplies are made in Canada.”

“These repairs are another step towards improving social housing in Cornwall,” said MPP Brownell. “This new funding will help ensure that people living in social housing have a safe and reliable place to live. Ontarians deserve nothing less.”

Ontario is moving quickly to invest a total of $704 million to repair eligible social housing across the province. In an effort to get shovels in the ground quickly, projects must be committed by the end of the fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

The funding will help improve the quality of life for residents living in social housing communities. Funding will be used to renovate and make energy-saving upgrades to existing social housing as well as to undertake accessibility modifications for the benefit of seniors and persons with disabilities. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Last month, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario, announced a series of investments of more than $70 million to fund 36 construction-ready projects throughout the province under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

YORK REGION, August 10, 2009 — The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario today announced that the Richmond Hill Co-op will receive support for repairs and renovations over the next two years.

The work will include window replacement and siding.

The Richmond Hill Co-op will receive $900,000 — part of a notional allocation of more than $14.4 million to the Regional Municipality of York to repair and retrofit existing local social housing units.

The funding was made available as a result of a $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of Ontario. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Lois Brown, Member of Parliament for Newmarket – Aurora, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Reza Moridi, MPP for Richmond Hill, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and Mayor David Barrow, Town of Richmond Hill, on behalf of York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch made the announcement today.

“Renovation and retrofit projects, like this one, will improve the quality of life for residents by improving the security and affordability of their homes,” said MP Brown. “Investments like these help boost the local economy by putting construction workers and trades people back to work and increasing the demand for materials.”

“Our government is committed to energy efficiency,” said Reza Moridi, MPP for Richmond Hill. “These important upgrades will help save money, protect the environment and improve the quality of life of the residents of Richmond Hill.”

“Today’s funding announcement represents excellent news for our Region,” said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. “York Region’s allocation of close to $14.4 million over the next two years will be put to important and significant use. Investing in social housing properties is an investment in our community.”

Ontario is moving quickly to invest a total of $704 million to repair eligible social housing across the province. In an effort to get shovels in the ground quickly, projects must be committed by the end of the fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

The funding will help improve the quality of life for residents living in social housing communities. Funding will be used to renovate and make energy-saving upgrades to existing social housing as well as to undertake accessibility modifications for the benefit of seniors and persons with disabilities. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Last month, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario announced a series of investments of more than $70 million to fund 36 construction-ready projects throughout the province under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

MISSISSAUGA, August 10, 2009 — The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario today announced that the Tannery Gate Tower Cooperative in Mississauga will receive support for repairs and renovations over the next two years.

The work will include lighting upgrades, boiler replacement, roof replacement, elevator replacement, garage ramp heating and other capital repairs.

The Tannery Gate Tower Cooperative will receive $227,540 — part of a national allocation of more than $30.1 million to Peel Region to repair and retrofit existing local social housing units.

The funding was made available as a result of a $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of Ontario. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Bob Dechert, Member of Parliament for Mississauga – Erindale, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Bob Delaney, MPP for Mississauga – Streetsville, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, made the announcement today.

“Renovation and retrofit projects, like this one, will improve the quality of life for residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable,” said MP Dechert. “It is also a good way to get the local economy moving because it puts construction workers and trades people to work quickly and most of the materials and supplies are made in Canada.”

“These repairs are another step towards improving social housing in Peel Region,” said MPP Delaney. “This new funding will help ensure that people living in social housing have a safe and reliable place to live. Ontarians deserve nothing less.”

Ontario is moving quickly to invest a total of $704 million to repair eligible social housing across the province. In an effort to get shovels in the ground quickly, projects must be committed by the end of the fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

The funding will help improve the quality of life for residents living in social housing communities. Funding will be used to renovate and make energy-saving upgrades to existing social housing as well as to undertake accessibility modifications for the benefit of seniors and persons with disabilities. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Last month, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario, announced a series of investments of more than $70 million to fund 36 construction-ready projects throughout the province under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

REALTORS Encouraged by Mayor Fords Re-Affirmation of Commitment to Repeal Land Transfer Tax

TORONTO, December 15, 2011– REALTORS® are applauding Mayor Rob Ford for re-affirming his commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax beginning in 2012, as reported by CP24.

Mayor Ford’s comments were made during a televised interview with Stephen LeDrew, Political Specialist for CP24, which quoted the Mayor as saying that Torontonians will see “a portion of the land transfer tax gone by next year.”

“Mayor Ford deserves to be applauded for sticking to his convictions and delivering on campaign commitments. That is what Torontonians elected him to do. The Land Transfer Tax is not good for Torontonians or the City. We look forward to working with the Mayor and Council to get rid of this unfair tax,” said Richard Silver, President of the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).

A recent poll conducted by Ipsos Reid, for TREB, indicated that 65 per cent of Torontonians continue to support Mayor Ford’s commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax.

“Torontonians understand that the Land Transfer Tax is not part of the solution to the City’s financial challenges; it is part of the problem. It unfairly forces home buyers and business owners to pay more than their fair share, costing the average Toronto home buyer more than $6,000 every time they move; it is an unpredictable revenue stream that goes up and down with the real estate market; and it makes the City less competitive than other GTA municipalities,” said Silver.

Greater Toronto REALTORS are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 31,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canadas largest real estate board. Greater Toronto Area open house listings are available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com

SAULT STE. MARIE, August 11, 2009 — The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario today announced that the Columbus Club of Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation will receive support for repairs and renovations over the next two years.

The work will include a roof replacement.

The Columbus Club of Sault Ste. Marie Housing Corporation will receive $54,000 — part of a notional allocation of more than $4.9 million to Sault Ste. Marie to repair and retrofit existing local social housing units.

The funding was made available as a result of a $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of Ontario. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and David Orazietti, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, made the announcement today.

“Renovation and retrofit projects, like this one, will improve the quality of life for residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable,” said Minister Finley. “It is also a good way to get the local economy moving because it puts construction workers and trades people to work quickly and most of the materials and supplies are made in Canada.”

“These repairs are another step towards improving social housing in Sault Ste. Marie,” said MPP Orazietti. “This new funding will help ensure that people living in social housing have a safe and reliable place to live. Ontarians deserve nothing less.”

Ontario is moving quickly to invest a total of $704 million to repair eligible social housing across the province. In an effort to get shovels in the ground quickly, projects must be committed by the end of the fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

The funding will help improve the quality of life for residents living in social housing communities. Funding will be used to renovate and make energy-saving upgrades to existing social housing as well as to undertake accessibility modifications for the benefit of seniors and persons with disabilities. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Last month, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario, announced a series of investments of more than $70 million to fund 36 construction-ready projects throughout the province under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Public Support for Land Transfer Tax Repeal is Resilient, According to Poll

TORONTO, December 6, 2011– REALTORS® will be making a presentation on Wednesday December 7 to the City of Toronto’s Budget Committee, and will be providing City Council with results of a recent poll showing that, even after recent difficult debates on the future of City services, Torontonians continue to want fiscal reform at City Hall, including the repeal of the Toronto Land Transfer Tax and concessions from the City’s unions.

The poll was conducted by Ipsos Reid for the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) between November 17 and November 22, 2011.

“TREB supports the recommended 2012 Budget because it continues the process of bringing fiscal sustainability back to City Hall; however, while we support the direction of this Budget, we are pointing out that it does not begin the process of fulfilling Mayor Ford’s commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax in 2012. This is a commitment that is strongly supported by Torontonians,” said Richard Silver, TREB President.

The poll found that,

65 per cent of Torontonians continue to support Mayor Ford’s commitment to repeal the Toronto Land Transfer Tax. Even when asked to consider the City’s deficit and recent efforts to address it, public support for the repeal of this tax is at 57 per cent; Torontonians want to see respect for taxpayers during negotiations with City Unions: 67 per cent believe that City negotiators should seek concessions from the unions; 57 per cent would like to see an end to current job security provisions; and 54 per cent would support a lock-out if union representatives do not agree to concessions; in contrast to the public’s strong opposition to the Land Transfer Tax, 52% of Torontonians support increasing residential property taxes as part of the solution to addressing the City’s deficit and paying for services; and, 54%, a majority, believe that City spending on programs and services is cost-effective and efficient. This is an increase of 9 per cent , from 45 per cent to 54 per cent, since April, 2011 when Ipsos Reid last measured this sentiment for TREB, indicating an apparent shift in attitude.

“Notwithstanding the difficult decisions that City Council has faced with regard to the budget, Torontonians understand that the Land Transfer Tax is part of the problem because it unfairly forces home buyers and business owners to pay more than their fair share, costing the average Toronto home buyer more than $6,000 every time they move; it is an unpredictable revenue stream that goes up and down with the real estate market; and it makes the City less competitive than other GTA municipalities,” said Silver. “The Land Transfer Tax is simply a band aid that has delayed the true solutions to the City’s financial challenges.”

REALTORS® believe that sustainable solutions to the City’s financial challenges are a combination of cost reductions and fair revenue sources, like property taxes and user fees.

“TREB Members work with the public across the GTA, so they understand that the City’s Budget affects not only Torontonians but the entire region. Simply put, the City’s budget decisions affect where people live and work. You only need to travel along the DVP during morning rush hour to see the proof: as many people are leaving the City to get to their jobs as there are coming in,” said Richard Silver, TREB President.

“Toronto businesses face the highest commercial and industrial property tax rates. Making business property taxes more competitive will allow the property tax base to grow, providing long-term, reliable, revenue, which, ultimately, will benefit residents by relieving pressure on existing taxpayers and improving quality-of-life in Toronto and the entire GTA by keeping people and jobs close together, thereby reducing traffic congestion,” said Silver.

REALTORS® are encouraged with the direction of the 2012 Budget and, along with the public, are calling for fiscal reform to continue at City Hall.

“REALTORS®, and the public, believe that City Council has made progress in bringing respect for taxpayers back to City Hall. We strongly believe that moving ahead with repealing the Land Transfer Tax, continuing to reduce costs, and using fair revenue sources is the right way to continue to move forward,” said Silver.

These poll results were gathered from 401 residents of the City of Toronto, yielding a margin of error of +/- 4.9 percentage points 19 times out of 20.

Greater Toronto REALTORS are passionate about their work. They adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and share a state-of-the-art Multiple Listing Service. Serving over 31,000 Members in the Greater Toronto Area, the Toronto Real Estate Board is Canadas largest real estate board. Greater Toronto Area open house listings are available on www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com